Algebra-for-All Policy Found to Raise Rates Of Failure in Chicago

this is to be expected. one of the most important issues in this process is developing a cadre of teachers who have real expertise in algebra in particular and mathematics in general. mandating that a larger number of kids take algebra without insisting that the people who teach them actually know algebra is a recipe for higher failure rates. more important, there is no doubt that algebra proficiency is a necessary condition for academic success so the fact that failure rate rises when we insist on broader student participation in the algebra classes is not a reason to stop teaching or to stop insisting on algebra for all ninth graders in chicago. be clear, the african american high school dropout rate is around 50%. this number is a reflection of the inability of our children to deal effectively with basic algebra! we must continue to support efforts that aim to increase our children’s participation in this game.